How do you know if your starter is bad on a Ford Explorer?

If your Ford Explorer is having starting issues, it's possible that the starter is going bad. Identifying a bad starter early can help you avoid getting stranded and save you money on more extensive repairs down the line. Here's how you can tell if your Ford Explorer's starter is going bad.

Signs of a Bad Starter

There are several common signs that indicate a bad starter in a Ford Explorer:

• Clicking or grinding noise when turning the key - This could mean the starter is failing to engage properly.


• Intermittent starting - If your Explorer sometimes starts right up and other times takes multiple tries, the starter is likely the culprit.


• Slow or sluggish cranking - A weak starter won't be able to crank the engine as quickly or powerfully as a healthy one.


• No response when turning the key - If you turn the key and hear nothing at all, the starter may have completely failed.

Pay close attention to how your Explorer starts each time. Any changes in the starting behavior could signal an issue with the starter.

Diagnosing a Bad Starter

If you suspect a bad starter, you can do a few simple tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Listen for the starter - When you turn the key, you should hear the starter motor engage and spin. If you don't hear anything, the starter is likely bad.


• Check the battery - Make sure your battery is charged and in good condition, as a weak battery can also cause starting issues.


• Tap the starter - Lightly tapping the starter with a tool while someone else turns the key can sometimes get a bad starter to engage temporarily.


• Use a multimeter - You can use a multimeter to test the voltage and amperage going to the starter to diagnose any electrical issues.

If the starter is indeed bad, it will need to be replaced. This is a relatively straightforward repair that most mechanics can handle, but it's best to address the issue promptly to avoid getting stranded.

How do I know if my Ford starter is bad?

Clicking, whirring, grinding, or whining sounds can all indicate something isn't right with your starter. Failure to start despite functioning lights: If your car's engine won't turn over when you start the car, but the dash or interior lights still come on, it's probably your starter.

Can I jump start my car with a bad starter?

No, you cannot jump-start a car with a completely bad starter because jump-starting provides electrical power for a weak battery, while a bad starter is a mechanical or electrical component that prevents the engine from turning over. A jump start will not work if the starter motor has failed. 
You can watch this video to learn why you can't jump start a car with a bad starter: 53sMercie J Auto Care, llcYouTube · Oct 8, 2025
Why jump-starting won't fix a bad starter

• Starter vs. battery: Jump-starting only provides a temporary power boost for a weak battery to get the engine cranking. 
• The starter's function: The starter motor's job is to physically turn the engine over to start it. If the starter motor is faulty, it can't perform this function, and no amount of extra electricity from a jump start will help. 

This video explains how a bad starter prevents a car from starting, even with a jump start: 1mMercie J Auto Care, llcYouTube · Oct 14, 2023
What to do if you have a bad starter

• Check the battery first: Before assuming the starter is the issue, try jump-starting the car to rule out a dead battery. If the jump start works, the problem was the battery, not the starter. 
• Try the "percussive maintenance" trick: In some cases, a failing starter may be temporarily revived by gently tapping it with a hammer to jar the internal components. However, this is not a permanent fix and the starter will likely need replacement. 
• Get it diagnosed: The safest and most reliable solution is to have a mechanic diagnose the problem. They can confirm if the starter is the issue and replace it if necessary. 
• Consider "bump-starting" (for manual transmissions only): If you have a manual transmission, it's possible to start the car by getting it rolling (pushing it or coasting downhill) and then quickly releasing the clutch in gear. This uses the momentum of the wheels to turn the engine over. This method will not work for automatic transmissions and is not recommended for modern cars with complex electronics. 

What are the symptoms of a faulty starter?

Symptoms of a bad starter include a clicking sound or grinding noise when you turn the key, the engine cranking slowly, or a complete no-start with dashboard lights still on. Other signs can be a whirring sound without the engine turning over or visible smoke or a burning smell. 
Common symptoms

• Clicking: A rapid clicking sound often means the starter motor is getting power but can't turn the engine over, which can be caused by a weak battery or a bad starter solenoid. 
• No crank: The car won't start at all, or you'll hear a single click. Dashboard lights and the radio may still work normally, indicating a problem with the starter rather than a dead battery. 
• Slow cranking: The engine cranks slowly or sluggishly, taking longer than usual to start. This can be a sign that the starter motor is failing. 
• Whirring or grinding: A whirring noise without the engine turning over can mean the starter is spinning but not engaging with the engine's flywheel. Grinding sounds can indicate a worn-out starter gear. 
• Smoke or burning smell: This is a more serious sign, potentially caused by a short in the starter motor, especially if you've tried starting the car multiple times. 
• Intermittent starting: The car starts sometimes but not others, and this may be a precursor to complete failure. 

What to check

• Battery connections: Loose or corroded battery terminals can cause a clicking or no-start condition. Try cleaning the terminals. 
• Oil leaks: If the starter motor is covered in oil, it can be damaged. Address the oil leak before it causes further issues. 
• Safety switches: For automatic transmissions, ensure the gear selector is firmly in "Park" or "Neutral". 

How do I know if my starter is bad on my 2013 Ford Explorer?

One of the earliest signs of a failing starter motor is slow or labored cranking when you turn the key to start your Ford. Instead of the usual swift engine turnover, you might notice that the cranking sounds sluggish and takes longer than usual.